Can This Morning survive without Phillip Schofield amid massive NTA loss?

The National Television Awards took place last night, 5 September. The ceremony which celebrates achievement in the TV industry is always the place for memorable moments. Last night was no exception.

After a 13-year-long winning streak, This Morning lost the Best Daytime Show award. Many link the loss to Phillip Schofield’s scandal which led him to resign from the show and ITV in May 2023.

After their loss, Dermot O’Leary who hosts the show on Fridays with Alison Hammond took to Instagram to post a picture congratulating the winner of the Best Daytime Show award. Not only that, the picture was supposed to be a celebration of the This Morning crew but a couple of things stand out…

A failed show of unity

Dermot O’Leary’s caption says:

Love every minute of working with this bunch, and the incredible team at @thismorning

The picture was also shared by Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond. In the picture, there is something that stands out. As Holly snaps the picture, everyone looks at the camera but one person: Rochelle Humes.

Furthermore, numerous comments under the picture are not buying into this show of jolliness.

Comments read:

Think it's telling that This Morning didn't win

This show is finished, holly the backstabber

Yeah the only genuine one there

Holly could’ve waited for Rochelle but probably didn’t on purpose! Love Rochelle we’ve all been there lovely

Read more:Phillip Schofield's lover allegedly confessed his feelings in public at 2018 National Television Awards

'Not the same without Phil'

This morning, 6 September, the consensus seems to be that This Morning’s loss is directly linked to Phillip Schofield’s scandal.

Publications title ‘This Morning loses out on National Television Award after Phillip Schofield scandal’, ‘This Morning dealt crushing blow as they miss out on NTA after Phillip Schofield scandal’ and ‘This Morning loses out on NTAs Daytime gong for first time in 12 years after Phillip Schofield scandal…’

However, reading the comments under Dermot O’Leary’s picture, it appears that their loss is not fully linked to Schofield’s scandal. Indeed, many express that they miss Phillip Schofield on the programme and that they simply cannot see the show without him.

Instagram users say:

I’m sorry but it’s not the same without Phil ….. u can’t put Hollie n Ali together it’s too much 🙉 sorry this morning is my thing for the last 20 years but at the moment I just can’t watch. 😥

So glad you got nothing, need Phil xx

Threw Phil under bus, you shouldn't be on

Bring back phillip, nobody's business what he does

Not the same without Phil he needs to come back! Unfollowed Holly has no remorse there and she seems to take the credit and she isn't innocent. Dermot your great keep doing what you're doing x

These comments bring back the question, can This Morning survive without Phillip Schofield who was the face of the show for over 20 years? Since Holly Willoughby’s return on Monday 4 September viewers have been less than impressed and are demanding a complete change or Schofield’s return.

Read more: This Morning: Can the ITV show be saved? Fans believe the show is 'dying a slow death'

Sources:

Instagram